A Rurouni Kenshin parody of Frank Capra's Arsenic and Old Lace

This is a Halloween tale of the Akabeko (fitting, ne?) where, it being the favorite hang-out of the Kenshin-gumi, almost anything can happen . . .  and often does.

However, our story begins not at the Akabeko, but at a secluded little shrine just outside Tokyo.  Several couples are gathered there, waiting -- with varying degrees of anxiety -- for the master of the unassuming edifice to unite them in wedlock.

---

 
 

Kenshin stood with Kaoru at the foot of the steps leading into the shrine, carefully observing the shrine patrons as they came and went.  He fervently hoped none of them would recognize him as Himura Battousai.  Although such instances were rare, they always seemed to come at the most inopportune moments -- and it would certainly be inopportune if someone holding a grudge against the hitokiri were to find him today.

Two shabbily dressed men entered the clearing, and paused as if looking for something.  After a moment, the taller one turned to the shorter and said something Kenshin was too far away to hear.

Kayaku sighed in disappointment when a quick scan of the grounds surrounding the shrine failed to reveal his imouto.  "She's not here," he said to Yobun, who nodded in agreement; but as they turned to leave, Yobun saw something that caught his interest.

"Oniichan," he said, catching Kayaku's sleeve in one hand, "look - that man with the red hair.  You don't suppose. . ."

". . .that he's Himura Battousai?  Here?  Getting married?  Baka!"  Shaking off Yobun's grip, Kayaku marched off into the forest.  His voice was annoyed as it carried back to his brother.  "Hurry up!  We've got to find Yuriko before she does something foolish."

"But. . ." As Yobun watched, the redhead moved protectively closer to the dark-haired woman at his side, as if sensing that eyes were upon them.  One arm slipped around her shoulders, the other hand moving to hover just above the hilt of his sword.  His sword?

Kenshin could feel the shorter of the two men watching him. Please, not today, he thought.  No trouble on my wedding day.  Unaware of the possible danger, Kaoru smiled at him as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders, and reached up to brush his hair back from his face.

Yobun's eyes widened as the woman's movement revealed a large, cross-shaped scar on the redhead's cheek.  "Kayaku!" It was him, it really was Battousai!  Calling his brother's name, he dashed into the woods.

Kenshin relaxed as the shorter man finally followed his companion out of the clearing.  A moment later, an attendant emerged from the shrine and quietly motioned for them to enter.  They had just started up the stairs when an angry shout made Kenshin turn.

"Battousai!  Himura Battousai!" The two men had returned, and now stood only a few feet away, brandishing make-shift clubs.  "We will avenge Keiichi!"

The fight lasted only a few moments, Kenshin neatly slicing their weapons into kindling with but a few strokes of his sakaba.  Finding themselves defenseless, the would-be avengers ran off into the forest again.  For his part, Kenshin wasn't even winded. . . but he'd made up his mind about something else.  Turning back to Kaoru, he took her hand firmly in his, and guided her down the steps and around to the back of the shrine.

"Kenshin!  What are you doing?!"

"Don't you see?  I can't marry you!  I was the hitokiri Battousai - there will always be someone else after me, seeking revenge.  You'll always be in danger!"

Kaoru's eyes widened a little at his vehemence, but she didn't argue.  Her voice was soft and calm as she responded, "All right, Kenshin."

"What do you mean 'all right'?!  Aren't you angry?  Aren't you going to cry, or hit me with your bokutou?  Or tell me that you're already in danger, just by knowing me?"

Kaoru had to fight a little not to smile as a faint note of hurt crept into Kenshin's voice.  "No, Kenshin."

He stared back at her, uncertain.  Were those tears in her serious blue eyes?  Her adorable mouth - was it trembling just a little?  Her voice had sounded so soft and meek, and she looked at him so trustingly.  She was beautiful.  "Oh, Kaoru-dono. . ."  He brought his forehead to rest against hers for just a moment, before catching her hand in his again and marching back around to the front of the shrine.  He led her up the stairs and inside, never noticing when she winked at the attendant, thanking her for her advice on dealing with a nervous bridegroom.

Meanwhile, back in Tokyo proper . . .

"Ahou," Saitoh said for what seemed to Chou the fiftieth time, "you don't seem to understand.  You can never be too careful where Battousai is concerned."

"Saitoh, I already told you - he's getting married today.  What kind of trouble could that cause?"

The two walked along Tokyo's busy main street, Saitoh's eyes darting suspiciously down every alley while Chou loitered along beside him.  Saitoh took a long draw on his cigarette before attempting to explain one more time.  "Battousai's pending nuptials don't concern me.  The bad element his presence draws to this peaceful city, does.  Don't tell me you've forgotten that Yukishiro Enishi escaped a few months ago." Chou's face clearly indicated that he had.  There was another long draw on the cigarette as Saitoh's cold stare bored into the former Juppongatana.  "I suppose you've forgotten that Gein was never captured, too.  Now that you've been reminded, maybe you can dig up some useful information."

Chou bristled at Saitoh's sneering condescension, but couldn't really argue with the ex-Shinsengumi captain's assessment.  This time.  "That doesn't explain why we're going to the Akabeko.  The proprietress is a friend of that Kamiya girl Battousai is so fond of.  She won't know anything about Yukishiro.  What do you expect to find there?"

Saitoh smirked.  "Dinner," he answered as they halted in front of the Akabeko.

"Irrashaimase!" Tsubame's voice rang out cheerfully as they entered the restaurant, but her attitude changed considerably when she saw who had arrived.  Saitoh was enough to intimidate anyone, let alone a timid young girl.  With Chou as his companion, he was doubly fearsome.  Her manner was hesitant as she showed them to their table.  Yahiko went about his chores in the background, keeping a suspicious eye turned toward Saitoh, his silent gaze promising pain if the insufferable cop practiced his wit on Tsubame.  Saitoh merely smiled coldly in return, finding the boy's protective streak amusing.

Chou soon realized that Saitoh was waiting for something.  The other man ate slowly, dragging the meal out by asking the young waitress for additional rice or water.  When the restaurant's owner finally made an appearance, and Saitoh quickly concluded his meal, Chou knew that something had arrived.

"Sekihara-san," Saitoh began, "I wanted to warn you that Yukishiro Enishi has escaped from prison." Tae's face darkened with distress at the news.  Enishi had already destroyed the restaurant once, who could guess what he might do?  Saitoh was marginally impressed with her understanding.  "Yes, he may threaten you or your restaurant.  If you notice anything suspicious, I want you to contact either me or my companion.  He'll be keeping watch on the area."

Tae agreed willingly, and the two policemen left.  After showing them out the door, Tsubame turned to find Tae watching her with a small smile.

"Tsubame-chan . . .  did you?" she asked, gesturing at the last dining compartment on the right. The space was closed off as if for a private party.

"Yes, Tae-san.  You aren't angry, are you?" The little waitress' face was a mixture of worry and hope.

"Oh, no, dear!  Of course not!" Tae wrapped a comforting arm around Tsubame's shoulders.  "But who is it?  And however did you manage by yourself?!"

"Hatsuzou-san.  He came in asking for dinner on credit, so I just went ahead and seated him in the back compartment.  That way, I didn't have to move him."

"Oh my, you are clever!"

---

 

When the wedding ceremony concluded, Kenshin and Kaoru caught a ride into Tokyo in the back of a cart.  The driver dropped them off on the bridge halfway between the Akabeko and the Kamiya dojo, smiling to himself at how the happy couple glowed.  It was obvious that they'd just been married.  They were so distracted that he'd had to call the young groom back to claim the bride's ribbon.  The redheaded man had flushed almost as bright as his hair, thanking the driver profusely before running to catch up to his new wife.

"Kaoru-do-- " Kenshin stopped himself and then started again, Kaoru's eyes sparkling at his slip.  "Kaoru, here's your ribbon."

She eyed him teasingly, enjoying this new side of him.  He wasn't exactly forward . . .  but she had been surprised when he'd pulled the ribbon out of her hair.  "I think you better just keep it for now.  Don't lose it though, it's my favorite."

Kenshin smiled at her teasing, and very seriously tucked the ribbon into his sleeve.  "I'll go tell Tae-dono and Tsubame-dono the news, and ask Tae-dono to watch over Yahiko while we're gone."

"Gone?" Kaoru's eyes widened.  "Where are we going?"

"Yokohama.  I thought you might like-" whatever else he'd intended to say was cut off as Kaoru threw her arms around him in an exuberant hug.

"Oh Kenshin!  How did you manage that?  However you did it, it's just wonderful!" Letting him go she backed away a few steps, almost skipping.  "I'll go get packed, shall I?"

Kenshin nodded.  "I'll meet you back here, and then we can go to the train station."

"All right." She skipped close again to brush a kiss on his cheek, and then set off toward home.

Kenshin watched her for a moment, amazed at how lucky he'd become since arriving in Tokyo, before hurrying on to the Akabeko.  Tae greeted him warmly when he entered, asking where Kaoru was.  "I thought you were getting married today!"

"Oro?" How did she know?

Tae laughed at the surprised look on Kenshin's face.  "It wasn't that hard to figure out, Ken-san, not with the details Yahiko gave me."

"But . . .  we didn't tell Yahiko!"

"I didn't say Yahiko knew, just that it was easy to figure out." Tae smiled.  "I'm very happy for you both!  But where is Kaoru-chan?"

"She's packing.  We're going to Yokohama for a few days.  I just came to tell you the news.  Well, that, and to ask you to keep an eye on Yahiko while we're gone."

"Of course!  But you should tell him about your marriage before you leave.  Now where did he get off to?" A quick check of the immediate area failed to reveal the boy.  "Ken-san, I don't want to keep you, but I'm sure he'd like to know.  Maybe we can find him.  Can you look in here?  I'll check in the back."

Kenshin nodded, and proceeded to check the dining areas for Yahiko.  The last compartment in the back was closed off as if for a private party, but no light came from within.  Kenshin smiled.  It was the perfect hiding place if you were a ten year old boy looking to slack off a little from your chores.

"Yahiko!" he called, parting the curtains.  He immediately shut them again, took a deep breath, and peeked inside once more.  Yes, the body was still there, slumped peacefully against the wall.  "Oroooo." Kenshin ducked inside the curtains, and knelt down to check the body.  It was still faintly warm, but there was no doubt that the man was dead. I can't let Tsubame-dono or Tae-dono know about this.  Tsubame-dono will be frightened, and Tae-dono will certainly be upset.  It's better if I handle it myself.  He slipped back out into the hallway, and narrowly missed knocking over the two women he was so worried about.

"Ken-san!" Tae exclaimed, "what were you doing in there?"

"Nothing, nothing!  Yahiko's not in there.  No one is in there." Kenshin strove to sound cheerful, but managed instead to sound a little strangled.

"No one is in there?" Tsubame's voice was surprised.  "But . . .  what happened to Hatsuzou-san?" She reached to move the curtain aside so she could see for herself, and Kenshin quickly caught her wrist.

"Tsubame-dono!  There's nothing in there you need to see."

"You're acting very strange, Ken-san.  Whatever is the matter with you?"  Tae's voice, as well as her face, reflected her puzzlement.

Kenshin drew in a calming breath, and then answered truthfully, "Tae-dono, I'm afraid there's a dead man in there.  It's not something you or Tsubame-dono should be forced to deal with.  I'll take care of it."

Tae and Tsubame looked blankly at him for a moment, and then blinked.  "Is that all?" Tsubame asked.

Kenshin couldn't believe his ears.  "Is that all?  Tsubame-dono, didn't you hear me?  There's a body in there!"

"Yes, Ken-san, we know." Tae's voice was soothing.  The rurouni's eyes were looked a little wild.

"You know?  But. . ."

"There, there, Ken-san.  It's nothing for you to worry about.  You just forget about it." Tae patted him gently on the sleeve in a comforting way.

Kenshin wasn't comforted in the slightest.  "Forget about it?!" he protested, "But who is he?!"

"Hatsuzou-san," Tsubame answered, "he eats here twice a week.  That's really all we know about him."

"That's all you. . .  But what happened to him?!"

"He died."

"Tsubame-dono!  People don't just walk into a restaurant and die!"

"Well of course not, Ken-san," Tae laughingly replied, "he died because he drank some sake with poison in it."

Kenshin was understandably horrified.  "Poison?!  But how did the poison get in the sake?!"

"Well," Tae told him, "we put it in the sake because it's easier to control.  If we put it in the rice, we might accidentally poison the wrong person."

"You put it in the sake because . . .  Tae-dono!  You don't mean to tell me you did this?"

"Well of course I didn't." Kenshin relaxed a bit at that, but then Tae continued, "I was out.  Tsubame-chan took care of Hatsuzou-san."

Kenshin felt his legs give out, and sank down to sit on the edge of the compartment's raised floor.  "Tsubame-dono . . .  you killed that man?"

"Hai, Kenshin-san." Tsubame watched the swordsman with concern.  He didn't seem at all himself.  What could be bothering him?

"Why?" Kenshin's question made her blink in surprise.

"Why?  Because he hadn't paid his bill.  He owed Tae-san a small fortune!  And he wanted to eat on credit!  Naturally, I couldn't let that happen." Tsubame's voice was faintly shocked, as if she couldn't believe that Kenshin had failed to realize this himself.

"There now, Ken-san," Tae told him as he stared, open-mouthed, at the young girl, "you know all about it, and can just forget about it." She shook her head at him as she gently scolded, "I do think Tsubame-chan and I are entitled to our own little secrets." She tsked at him for emphasis before turning to Tsubame.  "Tsubame-chan, I think we'd best go check and see if any more customers have arrived."

"Hai, Tae-san!"

Kenshin watched, too appalled to do anything more, as the two left to attend to the new customers.  Once they were gone, he buried his face in his hands, a single "Oroooo" testifying to his distress.  He remained there until he felt a gentle tug on his sleeve.  Dropping his hands he raised his face to find Ayame-chan and Suzume-chan watching him with concerned eyes.

"Ken-nii, Kaoru-neesan says she's almost ready," Ayame-chan told him.

He gazed at the child for a long moment before reaching out to gently take her hands in his.  "Ayame-chan," he said, "can you hear my voice?"

Ayame-chan blinked, and then responded earnestly, "Hai, Ken-nii."

"You can?" Both Ayame and Suzume nodded.  "You're sure?" At that the two began to giggle.

"Hai!" they chorused, before announcing that they were going back to see what "Kaoru-neesan" was doing.  They each gave him a quick hug before scampering away.

"Well," Kenshin said aloud, to himself, once they were gone, "if they can hear me, then I must be here." He sat for another moment before his earlier horror caught up with him, and then he bolted to his feet.  "Tae-dono!  Tsubame-dono!" he cried, dashing along the narrow space between the dining compartments. He found them cheerfully clearing another of the small areas, readying it for the next group of diners.

"Ken-san!  There's no need for all that haste!" Tae exclaimed as her eyes took in his harried appearance, and her ears registered the faint note of panic in his voice.  "I'll help you find Yahiko-kun in just a moment, and then you and Kaoru-chan can-"

"I don't want to find Yahiko!" Kenshin interrupted her, "I want to know what we're going to do!"

"Do?" Tsubame's voice was puzzled.  "Do about what?"

"About the body!  What are we going to do about the body!!"

"There's no need to yell, Ken-san," Tae admonished him.  "Don't get so excited.  Tsubame-chan and I know exactly what to do.  We'll take care of this one just like the others."

If anything, that seemed to stir him up more.  "You know what to . . .  others?!  What others?!"

"The other customers who didn't pay their bills." Although she was still smiling, Tae's voice was very matter-of-fact.

"Other custom--- How many others?!"

"Hmmmm . . .  let's see," Tsubame answered thoughtfully.  " I think this makes eleven . . .  isn't it eleven, Tae-san?"

"No, dear.  This makes twelve."

"Twelve?" Tsubame stopped wiping the table to look at Tae.  "Are you sure Tae-san?  I could swear this was eleven."

"No, Tsubame-chan, I'm sure it's twelve.  When I saw that the last compartment was closed off, I remember thinking this would make an even dozen."

Kenshin listened, horrified, as they calmly discussed how many customers had been poisoned, his gaze shifting back and forth between the two.

"Tae-san, I really don't think we should count the first one," Tsubame was saying.

"Honto ni?  Well, I was counting the first one, and that makes twelve," Tae replied.

"Does it?  Well, all right then," Tsubame conceded.  Turning back to Kenshin she confided, "Tae-san's usually right.  I get them confused."

"Oh?" Kenshin nodded consolingly, as if confusing one's victims was a perfectly normal occurrence, while inside he fought to keep from screaming.  He was roused from his daze by a childish voice calling his name.

"Ken-nii!  Ken-nii!" He turned to catch Ayame-chan as she ran up to him.  "Kaoru-neesan says she'll meet you at the bridge in just a few minutes."

"Not now, Ayame-chan!  Tell Kaoru that I'm busy!" Kenshin gave his instructions without thinking.

"Hai!" Ayame-chan didn't think to question what her beloved Ken-nii told her, she simply agreed.  She'd already left the restaurant before Kenshin realized what he'd done.

"No!  Ayame-chan matte!" His shoulders slumped as he realized it was too late.  "Oh, Kaoru, I didn't mean. . ." He shook his head.  There would be time to patch things up with Kaoru later.  He had other things to worry about now.  "Now where were we?  Twelve . . .  TWELVE!"

"Yes, that's right," Tsubame told him, "Tae-san thinks we should count the first one."

"That's fine, that's fine," Kenshin agreed, willing to accept almost anything if he could just get to the bottom of this mess, "but who was the first one?"

"Oh, that would be Yosomiya-san." Tsubame looked sadly at Kenshin as she explained what had happened.  "He was terribly in debt.  He came in for lunch one day, and died of some sudden illness while sitting right there," she gestured at the spot where Kenshin sat.  "Well, Tae-san decided right then, that if she could stop other debtors from driving her out of business, she would." The little waitress' eyes were earnest as she continued, "I don't know what I would've done if Tae-san hadn't given me this job, so I swore I'd help her.  And then Yahiko-kun came in, and thought that Yosomiya-san had gotten drunk.  He helped us take Yosomiya-san down to the clinic where he could 'sleep it off' without bothering anyone.  And that's all there is to it.  Drunks are always showing up at the clinic, so they probably didn't think too much of one more."

Kenshin nodded in an understanding way, thinking gratefully, At least the first one wasn't poisoned.  Tae and Tsubame smiled brightly, and then stood to take the dishes they'd collected back to the kitchen.  "Wait!  Wait!" Kenshin protested, "What about the rest of them?!" Tae and Tsubame turned puzzled faces toward him.  "All twelve of them didn't just die of sudden illness!" he prompted.

"No, of course not," Tae responded, still looking faintly puzzled.

"Well?  Well?"

Tae smiled, apparently pleased with his curiosity.  "Well, I went to Takani-san and told her I was worried about something trying to get into the rice.  She was very helpful, and gave me some kindoku.  It has a lovely fragrance, and apparently adds a nice flavor to sake -- some of our customers found time to tell us how good it was before they died."

"Oh?  Wasn't that nice of them?" Kenshin commented, silently repeating to himself, Humor them, humor them.

"Yes, wasn't it?" Tae agreed.  "Afterwards, we just tell Yahiko that another customer has gotten drunk, and he helps us take the body to the clinic.  There now, you see?" she concluded, "nothing for you to worry about." She beamed at him, and then set off for the kitchen again, calling over her shoulder, "Come along, Tsubame-chan, it's almost time for the dinner crowd."

Kenshin sat where he was, and tried to figure out how to get himself - not to mention Tae and Tsubame - out of the mess they were in.  He couldn't turn Tae and Tsubame over to the police.  But he couldn't just walk away from this, either.  Standing, he wandered back to the closed-off compartment.  "Wouldn't it be wonderful if he wasn't there?" he commented aloud to himself.  He opened the curtains and peeked hopefully inside.  No, there Hatsuzou-san still sat, slumped against the wall.

"Kenshin!" Kaoru's voice came from directly behind him, making him jump.  He spun around quickly, pulling the curtains closed and sitting down on the edge of the compartment.

"Kaoru!" he yelped, "What are you doing here?"

"What am I doing here?" she repeated, puzzled.  Then she smiled.  "Didn't Ayame-chan tell you I was ready?"

"Oh!  Oh yes!" Kenshin stood and took her arm, gently guiding her toward the front of the restaurant, glancing distractedly back over his shoulder as he did so.

"Ne, Kenshin," Kaoru said, her voice teasing, "how do I look?" She was wearing a brand new kimono, the neckline of which draped daringly low on her shoulders.  She'd been saving it as a surprise.

"What?  Oh!  Fine, fine, you look fine," he told her, making her eyes widen in surprise, "now, you go back to the dojo, and I'll see you there in awhile."

"Back to the dojo?  But, Kenshin, what about Yokohama?!" Kaoru's voice was a mixture of hurt, confusion, and slow-building anger.

"What about it?" Kenshin was still glancing over his shoulder periodically, although they'd nearly reached the door, and so failed to see her annoyed expression.

"Kenshin no baka!" she cried, "What is wrong with you?  Look at your hair!" This last was added as she realized his normally centered ponytail had been pulled madly askew.

"What?  What?  What's wrong with it?  What color is it, has it turned?" He bent over for her to look, thinking to himself that he wouldn't be the least little bit surprised to find it was as silver as Enishi's.

"Kenshin!" Kaoru's anger faded at his obvious distress.  She wrapped her arms around his neck and held him comfortingly for a moment.

Kenshin relaxed against her, allowing himself -- just for a few minutes -- to think longingly of Yokohama.  Then he straightened, and taking her arm he guided her the rest of the way to the door.  "Kaoru-dono," he told her as he opened it, "you'd better go home."

"'Kaoru-dono'?!" she repeated.  "Kenshin!  We were married today!  And what do you mean, throwing me out of Tae-san's restaurant?!"

"I'm not throwing you out!  I'm not throwing you out!" he protested, all but shoving her out the door, "Will you please go home?!" The door slid shut in her face with a firm snap, punctuating his crazed plea.

"Kenshin!" Kaoru yelled.  She reached for the door, and found it locked.  "How do you like that?" she asked of no one in particular.

"What?  Are they closed?" Sano's voice came from behind her.

"Oh, shut up, Sanosuke!" she told him, and then stomped off in the direction of the dojo.

Sano watched her leave before trying the door himself.  Finding it locked, he tried another tactic: "Oi!  Tae-san?" he yelled, "Aren't you open?" He rattled the door in its frame, and then tried yelling again, determined to get a free lunch.

Inside the Akabeko, Kenshin paced in front of the closed compartment, frantically wondering what to do.  "Ken-san!" Tae scolded him, coming out of the kitchen to find Sano making a fuss at the door, "Whatever is the matter with you?!  Locking the door during business hours!" Unlocking the door, she ushered Sano into the first empty dining compartment.

"Will this be on your account?" She inquired.

"Yes, thank you," he responded immediately, giving her a sheepish smile.

Tae and Tsubame exchanged a meaningful glance.  Tsubame disappeared while Tae chattered amiably with Sanosuke, reappearing minutes later with a small bottle of sake and the dishes to set his table.

"Arigatou, Tsubame-chan," Sano told her, catching sight of the sake.  He immediately poured himself a small serving, and raised it to his mouth.  Tsubame and Tae watched him with anticipation, their shoulders slumping in disappointment when he stopped, the sake only halfway to his lips.  "What's Kenshin doing here?" he asked, gesturing with his empty hand to where the rurouni paced worriedly back and forth.

"Ken-san?  Oh, don't mind him.  He's just a little nervous.  He and Kaoru-chan were married this morning," Tae answered.  Drink it, drink it, she silently added.

Sano, sake now raised to his lips, stopped in surprise at this bit of news.  "Married?" they nodded in unison, eyes intent on the sake in his hand.  "Then he should come have a drink with me to celebrate!  Oi!  Kenshin!" he yelled, as anxious expressions crept over Tae and Tsubame's faces.

Kenshin looked up from his frantic pacing to find Sano waving at him.  The ex-gangster held a bottle of sake in one hand, and seemed to be inviting Kenshin over for a drink.  I could certainly use one, he thought.

"Omedetou, Kenshin!" Sano told him, giving him a hearty slap on the back.  Kenshin thanked him, accepting the sake Sano offered.

"Ken-san!" Tae interrupted, her voice insistent, "Kaoru-chan won't appreciate it if you get drunk!"

"Tae-dono?" Kenshin asked, surprised, "It's only one cup.  I won't get drunk from that," he assured her.

"I really don't think you should!" Tsubame told him, surprising him still further.  His gaze switched from one to the other, noting the concern in their faces, and then his eyes widened in realization.

"NO!" he shouted, dropping his cup and slapping Sano's out of his hand.  Sano stared at his friend in shock.  Kenshin didn't give him a chance to recover.  He assumed an attitude of readiness, right hand poised to draw his sakaba from its sheath, and ordered Sano to leave.  "Do you want to die?!  Do you want to be killed?!"

Sano couldn't imagine what had set him off, but he didn't want to fight the rurouni.  Wedding jitters, he told himself, allowing Kenshin to prod him out the door and lock it behind him.

Kenshin turned to face the two disappointed and pouting waitresses.  "I don't know how to explain this to you," he told them, his voice barely managing to remain calm and even, "but you can't do things like that.  People wouldn't understand -- Sano wouldn't understand!" The two shifted a little, still pouting.  Kenshin frowned at them.  "This is developing into a very bad habit!" he scolded. Tsubame sniffed pitifully at that, the timid little thing near tears thanks to his reprimand.  Kenshin sighed.  "Tae-dono, Tsubame-dono, I need you to do something for me."

"What?  I'll have to know what it is, first." A business woman to the core, Tae bargained even now.  Kenshin found himself smiling.

"I need you to close the restaurant early.  The last of the lunch customers has left, and the dinner crowd hasn't arrived.  Close the restaurant now, while it's empty.  I have to run an errand, but I'll come back and help Yahiko move the body.  All I ask is that you close the restaurant now, and not let anyone in until I get back."

Tae considered, and then agreed.  Kenshin looked so upset, she didn't have the heart to refuse.  He bowed his thanks, and then slipped out the back.

I'll go talk to Dr. Genzai.  Maybe he'll have a suggestion.  Maybe we can get them committed to one of those new facilities.  His heart sank at the thought of Tsubame and Tae locked up somewhere . . .  but they couldn't continue to poison people.

---

 

Nightfall came and went, and still Kenshin hadn't returned to the Akabeko.  As promised, Tae and Tsubame had closed the restaurant and cleared all of the tables.  Now they sat, waiting, as the darkness drew in around the single lamp they'd lit.  Asleep in the corner, Yahiko could be heard snoring faintly.

Tae started violently when someone rattled the door, seeking entry.  Thinking it was Kenshin, she rose to unlock it before realizing that there were two figures silhouetted against the white paper.  Another look confirmed that neither of them was short enough to be the rurouni.  She motioned Tsubame to silence, and blew out the lamp.  "We'll just have to pretend we're not here," she whispered.

They waited, tensely, for whoever it was to leave.  The door was tried a second and third time, each attempt more violent than the last.  Finally, the lock was broken, and the door slid easily aside.  Tae gasped at the two frightening figures thus revealed.  One was huge - easily a foot taller than Sanosuke, and with the bulk to match.  The other was slim, only a little taller than Kenshin, and carried a large sword strapped to his back.

Alerted to her presence by her small gasp, the shorter one moved quickly into the restaurant, signaling his companion to follow and shut the door.  "Who's there?" a voice called out once the door was sealed.  It was vaguely familiar, but not readily identifiable.  Tae shook her head at Tsubame, indicating that the girl should remain quiet.  "Sekihara-san . . .  is that you?" Tae gasped a second time, even more startled to hear her name on the other's lips.  "Ah . . .  it must be.  How fortunate." There was a wealth of venom in the polite voice.  A moment later a match flared to life, followed closely by two of the lamps scattered around the restaurant.

The warm lamplight revealed the shorter of their two visitors to be sun-browned, with a wealth of dark, slicked-back hair.  His mode of dress was similar to that of Shinomori Aoshi, only in grey tones vice blue.  Tae stared at him, trying and failing to place him.  His tall companion was no more recognizable, but far more frightening.  His arms, legs, and fingers were thick and clumsy-looking; his skin a sickly grey, his hair a lackluster black.  An odor of decay seemed to surround him.

"Who are you?" Yahiko's voice, coming out of the darkness at the back of the restaurant, startled all of them.  The boy moved to stand protectively beside Tae and Tsubame, his shinai raised in an attitude of defense.  "Who are you?!" he asked a second time, more insistently.

"Why, Yahiko-chan don't you recognize me?" Yahiko's breath caught at the familiar tones.  Not too many weeks before -- when his family had been ripped apart, and he had thought Kaoru was dead -- that voice had taunted him in his sleep.

"Enishi. . ." he whispered . . .  and the stranger smiled.

---

 

Go on to Part II